Mental Health Blog
Evidence-based articles on psychiatric medication, hormones, anxiety, and mental health – by Dr. Laura Fredes, MD
Dr. Fredes writes about the questions patients ask most often – from how antidepressants work to the connection between hormones and mood. Each article is grounded in clinical evidence and written in plain language.
High-Functioning Anxiety: When Success Hides the Struggle
You’re productive, reliable, and always prepared. But inside, the overthinking won’t stop. Learn what high-functioning anxiety looks like and when it’s time to get help.
Read more →Why Your Antidepressant Takes Weeks to Work
Side effects show up in days, but mood improvement takes weeks. Understanding the science behind this delay can help you stick with treatment long enough to benefit.
Read more →SSRIs and Your Period: What Women Should Know
Antidepressants can affect your menstrual cycle in ways your prescriber may not have mentioned. Here’s what the research says about SSRIs and period changes.
Read more →PMDD: When Your Mood Changes Before Your Period Are More Than Just PMS
PMDD is a real, diagnosable condition that affects up to 8% of menstruating women. It’s not “just hormones” – and it responds well to treatment.
Read more →Herbal Supplements to Avoid When Taking Antidepressants
St. John’s Wort, 5-HTP, and other common supplements can interact dangerously with SSRIs and SNRIs. Know which ones to avoid and why.
Read more →Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants: What’s Real, What’s Not
Sexual side effects are one of the most common reasons people stop their medication. Here's what the research says and what your options are.
Read more →Hormones and Mood: How Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone Affect Mental Health
From menstrual cycles to perimenopause, hormones shape mood in ways most providers don't fully address. Here's the science behind it.
Read more →The Fourth Trimester Brain: What Postpartum Does to Cognition
“Mom brain” is real, and it's neurological. Understanding what happens to your brain after birth helps differentiate normal recovery from postpartum depression.
Read more →The Gut-Brain Connection in Mental Health
Your gut microbiome influences mood, anxiety, and even response to psychiatric medication. Here's what the research actually supports.
Read more →Alcohol and Antidepressants: What Your Prescriber Probably Didn't Tell You
The interaction between alcohol and SSRIs is more complex than the standard warning label suggests. Here's what to know.
Read more →Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Southlake: What to Expect at a Psychiatric Evaluation
What an adult ADHD evaluation actually involves — the timeline, what's required by Texas law, and what changes after diagnosis.
Read more →Finding a Psychiatrist in DFW: Insurance, Wait Times, and What Actually Matters
A practical guide to evaluating psychiatric care options in Dallas-Fort Worth — credentials, in-network vs out-of-network, and what to skip.
Read more →Telehealth Psychiatry in Texas: Who's Covered, Who's Not
How telehealth psychiatric care actually works in Texas — insurance coverage, state licensing, DEA stimulant rules, and clinical limits.
Read more →Psychiatrist vs Therapist: How to Know Which You Need
The practical differences between psychiatrists and therapists, when to see each, and how the two roles work together for the best outcomes.
Read more →Postpartum Depression in DFW: Resources Beyond Hospital Systems
What's actually available for postpartum mental health in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — hospital programs, private practice, peer support, and when to escalate.
Read more →Have Questions About Your Medication?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fredes to discuss your treatment.